Secrets and Lies
I barely slept that night. Every time I closed my eyes, I heard their voices—Olivia's sharp tone, Jake's cruel laughter. The truth was so clear now, and yet, it felt impossible to face. They had done this to me. People I had once trusted. And they were walking around like nothing had happened.
By morning, the weight of it all settled deep in my chest. I knew I couldn't stay silent forever. But how could I speak when no one would believe me? Olivia was the golden girl—popular, charming, perfect. Jake was the guy everyone wanted to be. And me? I was just… Sarah. Quiet. Plain. Invisible to most people unless Olivia was by my side.
If I accused them without proof, I would be the liar. The jealous friend trying to ruin their lives.
Still, I couldn't keep pretending. Not when the truth burned inside me like poison.
At school, everything felt sharper—louder. The scrape of lockers opening. The distant echo of laughter. Every brush against my skin made me flinch, but I kept my head down and tried to move through the day unnoticed.
Until I saw Daniel.
He was waiting for me by my locker, his warm smile a brief break in the storm. For a moment, I wanted to forget everything—to let him hold me and pretend things were normal. But nothing was normal. Not anymore.
"Hey," he said softly, leaning in to kiss my forehead. "I missed you last night. Everything okay?"
I froze. I wanted to tell him—God, I wanted to tell him everything. But how do you say the words, "I was raped"? How do you tell the person who loves you that someone else has already touched what you promised to save for them?
"I'm fine," I lied, plastering on a smile I didn't feel. "Just tired."
His eyes narrowed, studying me the way he always did when he knew I wasn't being honest. "Sarah, talk to me. You've been different lately. Distant. Did… did I do something wrong?"
"No!" The word came out too quickly, too sharp. I forced myself to soften. "It's not you, Daniel. I'm just stressed with school. That's all."
I hated lying to him. Every word felt like a fresh cut. But I couldn't lose him—not now.
"If you say so," he said quietly, though the doubt in his voice was clear. "But I'm here. Whenever you're ready."
I nodded, blinking back tears as he pressed a soft kiss to my cheek before walking away. I wanted to call him back—to pour out the truth and let him carry some of the pain—but fear kept my mouth shut.
I'm not ready. Not yet.
Later that day, I couldn't avoid Olivia. She found me in the cafeteria, sliding into the seat across from me like nothing had changed. Her lips curled into a familiar, fake smile.
"You've been so quiet lately," she said, tilting her head. "Is something wrong?"
I forced myself to meet her gaze, my nails digging into my palms beneath the table. Was she pretending because she thought I didn't know? Or was this her way of reminding me how much power she had over me?
"I'm fine," I said, echoing the same lie I had told Daniel.
Her smile widened. "Good. I was starting to think you were mad at me."
My stomach churned as I watched her—so calm, so collected. Did she even feel guilty? Did she lose sleep the way I did, or was it all just a game to her?
"You know," she added, lowering her voice, "Jake's been asking about you. I think he has a little crush."
Her words were like a slap to the face. My throat burned with the urge to scream, but I held it back. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me break. Not here. Not in front of everyone.
"I'm not interested," I said flatly, pushing my tray aside as I stood up.
"Suit yourself," Olivia said with a shrug. "But don't be so uptight, Sarah. Life's more fun when you let go a little."
I walked away before she could see the tears gathering in my eyes.
Let go?
She had already taken everything from me.
But one day—soon—I would take it back.